Barry Shapiro

Industrial Designer

My wife and I recently moved to Vermont from Pennsylvania. It was always our dream to live here. Needless to say it has opened up opportunities to indulge in lots of outdoor activities including Skiing, Hiking and Kayaking to name a few. We have 2 Siberian huskies that are most definitely enjoying the cooler weather and snow.

I was an industrial designer at Lasko Products for close to 28 years. I have extensive experience in New Product Development. During my time at Lasko I acquired aproximately 68 design and utility patents. I played a key role in establishing paradigms for new product categories. One of my strongest skills is problem solving and finding creative solutions to those problems. I worked extensively to develop more cost effective ways to build products and eliminate parts while at the same time enhancing them for greater consumer appeal. Lasko has a full service Product Development group that includes all aspects of the design process including engineering, prototyping and model making. As Manager of the ID group, the shop was under my management. Prototyping and models were built with the aid of our own SLS, MJF and PolyJet printers.

Many of the designs I did for Lasko have been key products that were sold at all the major big box stores and clubs. Those products have generated billions in sales over the years. I am fortunate to be able to say that most homes in the US have products that I either designed or played a role in developing. While maybe not the most glamorous category of consumer products, they are challenging to design since they deal with many requirements such as the ability to blow air, be quiet, safe and meet all of the goals of increasingly difficult to meet cost requirements. Creating perceived value while cutting cost is difficult but can be very rewarding.

Version 2.

My wife and I recently moved to Vermont from Pennsylvania, fulfilling a long-time dream. We've embraced the outdoors, enjoying activities like skiing, hiking, and kayaking. Our two Siberian huskies are also loving the cooler weather and snow.

I spent nearly 28 years as an industrial designer at Lasko Products, specializing in new product development. During my tenure, I earned about 68 design and utility patents and helped establish new product categories. My strengths include problem-solving and creating innovative solutions, particularly in cost-effective design. I focused on streamlining products by eliminating parts while improving their consumer appeal.

Lasko’s Product Development group handled all stages of design, including engineering, prototyping, and model making. As Manager of the Industrial Design group, I oversaw the prototyping process, utilizing SLS, MJF, and PolyJet printers.

Many of my designs became key products sold at major retailers and have generated billions in sales. Most homes in the U.S. likely have products I contributed to, even if they're not the most glamorous. Designing products that are quiet, safe, cost-effective, and high-performing—while maintaining consumer appeal—is a challenging but rewarding process.